In ancient times, when the world was vibrant and full of divine presence, the seekers of truth called upon Indra, the generous and mighty, to protect them from harm. They prayed that he would drive away the band of those who intended evil, especially in the hostile strongholds, those places thick with danger and malice. Indra, with his fierce resolve, swept away fifty-three adversaries with his powerful leaps, fulfilling his intention to strike down those who threatened peace. The devotees implored Indra further: “Destroy, O Indra, the tawny missile, the demon, and the sorceress—strike them down and remove all the demon-host.” Indra, steadfast and unarmored, heard their prayers. By his radiant presence, the sky shone, and the earth stood fearless. Wielding his stone weapons, Indra advanced, unconquered, slayer of the non-man, with his thrice-seven powers, a hero unmatched. Those who offered Soma to Indra found their homes secure and their worship fulfilled. Hatred among the gods was dispelled, and strength multiplied a thousandfold. Indra bestowed abundant wealth upon the worshippers, rewarding their devotion. As the rituals continued, the people called upon Vāyu, the swift wind-god, inviting him to their feast. They asked him to come with his team-drawn chariot for the first draught of Soma, guided by upright thoughts and knowledge. The exhilarating drops of Soma, skillfully pressed and mixed with cows’ milk, were set forth to gladden Vāyu. The teams, aligned for the feast, spoke forth their thoughts, eager to bestow aid. Vāyu yoked his red and tawny steeds, the swiftest, to his chariot. He awakened Purandhi, his beloved, as a lover awakens his beloved, and made the two worlds shine forth, heralding the dawns and fame. For Vāyu, the pure dawns spread their lovely garments, bright and new, and the cow rich in milk yielded treasures. The Maruts, youthful and radiant, drove from the sky and heavens. The bright and pure ones sought nourishment in the exhilarations, desiring to enjoy and grow strong. The worshipper sought Bhaga for strength, and Vāyu protected all beings by law, shielding them from the sun’s harshness. Among all, Vāyu was the first to deserve the draught of Soma, and the cows yielded him rich butter. The feast was prepared; Vāyu was invited to the seat of refreshment, with a thousand teams. For the first draught, the gods themselves yoked their chariots. The honey-sweet draughts of Soma flowed for Vāyu’s delight and power. The Soma, well-purified and adorned with splendor, was poured into the vessel, shining, invoked among the gods. Vāyu was called to bring his teams and come gladly. With hundreds and thousands of teams, Vāyu was summoned to the sacrifice, to the radiant offerings. The priests drove the bright ones for him, and his chariot, yoked with teams, arrived for help and the well-prepared feast. Vāyu was urged to drink the honeyed Soma, for the first draught was set for him, and to come with Indra, bringing shining bounty. The thoughts of the devotees turned to Indra and Vāyu at the sacrifice. The Soma, purified like a spirited horse, was offered for their delight. Indra and Vāyu, with the pressing stones, bestowed strength and reward. The Somas, pressed in the waters and borne by priests, flowed eagerly through the filter, ever-renewed, passing beyond the wool. Vāyu was called to go beyond, to the ever-flowing place where the stone speaks constantly, and Indra was invited to the house. Gracious speech and clarified butter were poured out, and the full troop advanced to the rite. Indra and Vāyu accepted the sweet offering; their sons attended the sacred fig tree, and the cows and barley were prepared. For Vāyu, the cows came up, strong-armed bulls flying within the rivers, growing great even in the desert, tireless and hard to restrain. The highest, ancient, and great praise was then brought to the gracious two, Mitra and Varuṇa, sovereigns rich in ghee and worthy of sacrifice. Their power was unmatched and unconquered, their divinity ever-present. The broad and spacious path of truth was revealed, measured by the rays of Bhaga’s vision. The shining seat of Mitra, Aryaman, and Varuṇa was established, and the great hymn of praise resounded. These deities upheld radiant, immortal Aditi and the earth full of light. Day by day, they watched over all, ever wakeful. The Ādityas, lords of gifts, possessed radiant power, guiding the people with Mitra, Varuṇa, and Aryaman. The Soma, most pleasant in libations, was offered for their auspiciousness, and all the gods together enjoyed it. The kings acted according to truth, as the devotees desired. Those who worshipped Mitra and Varuṇa were protected from harm, blameless and guarded by Aryaman, following the straight path. Their ordinance was adorned with hymns and praises. Homage was paid to the great heaven and the two worlds, and praise was given to Mitra, Varuṇa, Indra, Agni, Aryaman, and Bhaga. The devotees prayed for long life and offspring, united by the help of Soma. With the aid of the gods and Indra’s might, the devotees sought glory with the Maruts. Agni, Mitra, and Varuṇa were asked to grant shelter, so that the people and their offspring might attain it. Gladly, the seekers came with stones, seeking the cows and offering Soma to the sky-reaching kings, Mitra and Varuṇa. The bright Somas with cow’s milk were offered, and the dawns awakened them with the rays of the sun. The pressed Soma was for Mitra and Varuṇa to drink, lovely and righteous. The morning draught, milked with stones, was prepared for them. The devotees invited the gods to come near and drink the Soma pressed by men. The greatness of Pūṣan, nobly born, was proclaimed. His might and praise never failed. The devotees sang, seeking his favor and help, for Pūṣan turned the thoughts of all and brought happiness. They called him, swift as a chariot, to help them pass safely through difficulties, like a camel passing through obstacles. Pūṣan, as a friend, was asked to make their songs glorious in contests. In Pūṣan’s friendship, the wise found support, and the devotees called upon his ever-fresh company for wealth. They sought his grace, far-seeing, to be their companion in every contest. Ajāśva was approached for favor and renowned gifts, and Pūṣan was praised with excellent hymns, his friendship never denied. Agni was placed at the forefront with thought, divine protection chosen, and Indra and Vāyu invoked. When Indra and Vāyu moved at the navel of the dawn, granting new gifts, prayers rose to the gods. When Mitra and Varuṇa acted according to their will, restraining falsehood with wisdom and anger, their abode shone with golden radiance, perceived by the senses and thoughts of Soma. To the Ashvins, the worshippers raised hymns, offerings brought forth, and all their splendors and riches spread. Their golden horses sprinkled them with dew, and their chariot traversed the sky swiftly. The Ashvins stood in their golden chariot, guiding the heavenly paths like travelers, moving swiftly and leading the way. With their powers, the Ashvins were asked to grant favor day and night, their generosity never departing, the devotees’ share never taken away. Indra, mighty and strong-handed, was called to delight in the Soma juices pressed from the stones, bursting forth for burning and reward. Praised with songs, Indra was invited to come kindly to the people. Thus, in the sacred gatherings, the devotees invoked the gods with reverence and joy, offering Soma, praises, and prayers, seeking protection, strength, wealth, and favor. The gods responded, their presence felt in the shining dawns, the flowing rivers, and the radiant earth, guiding and blessing the people in their rites and daily lives.